Canon user needs user input

[CEK40]

Hello

First let me say thanks to all of you who have such wonderful information and get photographs.

I am new to the DIS Boards and so glad I found them. DH and I will be visiting WDW 10/25-11/02 staying at the WL (our favorite) and attending MNNSHP on 10/28. We are celebrating our 27 Anniversary and our first ever trip alone.

I am a Canon user tried and true. I have 4 SLR film camers and one Canon film P/S . I love shooting film. DH has a Canon Digital P/S camera. However I think I am ready to take the plunge into the DSLR world and have been looking at several Canon DSLR's, the 40D and the XSI. Would love the 5D but the price is a tad high for what I do with with my photography. I am also thinking of getting a digial PS just for my bag to take with me everywhere like I do my PS film camera. Purchasing a DSLR is quite scary to me, not like purchasing a film camera.

So with all that blah blah blah out of the way. I am not really asking "What camera should I buy", as I know that is a personal choice. But what I would love to hear are pros and cons, likes and dislikes or what made you decide on this model you own or have used any of these or other Canon DSLR's or the Canon digital P/S cameras.

I have Canon lens and 2 Canon Flash units one that will work with either of these DSLR bodys.

I know this is a question that is asked a lot. I have read the camera reviews on the boards like Steve's and DPreview, but I would like to get some tips and feelings from people like me who use these cameras.

I do appeciate your help with any of these questions.

 

[Master Mason]

The biggest difference in the 40D and the XSi is the way it is going to be the way it feels in your hand. The 40D is a lot bigger. So you really need go somewhere and hold them both in your hand.

 

[DueyDooDah]

Just a heads up. Canon's latest is the 50D.

 

[Anewman]

What type of shooting do you do?
Do you require the extra speed of the xxD series over the rebel line?
Do you like lighter cameras?
How large do you plan on printing?
Do you upgrade often?
Do you need your equipment to be on the durable side?


The Canon XSi is a great deal @ $600 with the kit lens(at buydig, no tax free shipping), but for $200 less you can get the XT.

 

[CEK40]

Hi again,
First let me say thanks to those of you who have already gave me your comments. I would love to hear more.

To answer the previous questions from Anewman about my photography:

I do like a fast camera, I do take sports photos since my son is a teacher at our local high school and coaches football and indoor and outdoor track I use it a lot at these events. Then I have done as a favor a wedding, family things, holidays, vacations (WDW), low light photography, animals, etc.

As for the weight of my cameras, I really have never had a light weight camera to speak of, except a PS. I have a AE-1, AE-1 Program, Elan II and Elan 7N, and have used these with zoom lenses and a large flash so they can be quite heavy. I like to be able to feel my camera in my hands.

The largest that I have made a print was a poster size once but mostly 11x14 is the largest that I would probably go.

No I don't up grade often or at all really. The AE-1 was my cousins, the AE-1my dad bought me when I was in high school and I still use it but when my eyesight started to get a little questionable for focusing decided to get the Elan II. I decided to purchase the Elan 7N body because I wanted to have a second AF body as a spare. (didn't know how long they would keep them around) I usually keep my equipment because it has what I want and need. I am not one to continually purchase something just for the bells and whistles. I don't really like change, guess that is why I have waited so long to get a DSLR. I truly love film photograhy it is my first love. But I can see the convience of a DSLR and what it has to offer a photographer. But believe me my AE-1 Program still takes some wonderful shots and I will never part with it. I don't really purchase every lense that is out there either, just what I need for what I want to do. I tend to like a prime lense the best.

As for durablity I do like a camera that not only looks like it is going to withstand use but actually does. So yes I do want a durable camera that will last me and feels like something in my hand.

Hope this helps.

 

[Master Mason]

based on what you just wrote above, your not going to be happy with the way the Xxx series feels in your hand.....

 

[Anewman]

based on what you just wrote above, your not going to be happy with the way the Xxx series feels in your hand.....

I agree, your answers mandate at least the xxD series.

 

[handicap18]

I too would say the 40D or 50D would be what you'll probably be most comfortable with.

Its been a while since I've shoot film, so I'm not really sure what kind of learning curve you'll experience. Based on your film SLR history, I don't think you'll have much of a problem. Your biggest challange will be with the computer and doing any post processing.

DSLR's have come a long way. The dynamic range, especially in the higher end and newer models, is very good. Personally, I see no benefit to shooting film any longer. There are a few small groups of people that do and swear by it, but digital, IMO, is just so much better.

The fact that you don't have to carry around rolls of film is a big one. In the end, if you stick with the same body for a while, you'll end up saving money by not buying and processing film. I get over 300 images on 1 2GB card on my 6.1MP dSLR. Once that card is full, I make sure the images are backed up on a CD and/or a DVD and empty the card and use it again. The shutter on my dSLR has clicked almost 16,000 times in 2 1/2+ years.

Also, film speed. You don't have to have a bunch of differernt speed films. IIRC, the 40D has an ISO range of 100-3200 and it can be changed with the touch of a button from shot to shot.

I think once you get your dSLR, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Another item to think about is your computer. If you don't already have a DVD burner, make sure you get one. This will allow you to store your origial file's (aka negatives) as backups. You may also want to look into external hard drives. Its amazing how much the prices have come down. $90 for a 500GB external HD I saw advertised this past weekend.

Those digital files add up quick, espeically when you shoot in RAW.

Good luck with your search. I'm sure you'll be happy once you make the jump to digital.